Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE

At a Meeting of Hampshire County Council held at The Castle, Winchester on Wednesday, 31 March 2005 at 11.00 a.m.

Chairman:

p Councillor J. V. Bryant

Vice Chairman:

p Councillor J. K. West

Councillors:

383 MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting of the County Council held on 23 February 2005 confirmed and signed by the Chairman, subject to the substitution of "23 March" for "16 February" in Minute 372 (3)

384 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest and having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.

385 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

After welcoming Honorary Aldermen, the Chairman reported that he had completed a number of engagements since the last meeting, the most notable of which had been attending the Rotary Centenary Service at Winchester Cathedral and the reception afterwards in The Guildhall; attending the opening of the Gosport Discovery Centre; and the opening of the Council's first nursing home, Hawthorne Court at Fareham. The Chairman had also hosted a reception for Hampshire's sports volunteers at which over 30 different sports had been represented.

The Chairman also mentioned the receipt, in time, of a second Notice of Motion which did not appear on the Agenda for the meeting. This had been received from Councillor K. G. Chapman and, with the Chairman's agreement, would be considered as part of Item 8 which dealt with Notices of Motion.

In conclusion, the Chairman wished those members who were retiring well for the future. The Chairman offered retiring members the opportunity to speak and a number did so, thanking the Council for their friendship and the opportunity to serve the Hampshire community.

386 LEADER'S REPORT

The Leader reported a letter of appreciation from Sheila Allen, in response to the many letters of support she had received following the passing of Councillor Don Allen, and asking that her letter should be taken as her response to those many letters.

The Leader also reported progress with the appointment arrangements for the new posts of Director of Children Services and Director of Adult Services.

He also mentioned that the Prime Minister had announced earlier in March during a reception for Arctic Veterans, the institution of a new badge to mark their service.

The Leader was pleased to announce that David Hinxman, Head of Democratic Services and his team in the Chief Executive's Department had been awarded BS EN ISO9001:2000 accreditation in recognition of its quality management systems. The Leader presented the award to Mr Hinxman and the Council showed its appreciation in the usual way. The Leader was also pleased to report the receipt of a Best Practice award for the County Council's Reach Out Mentoring Service.

The Leader took the opportunity to thank all members for the hard work they had put in during the last four years to support Hampshire and its many diverse communities. He wished those members standing down a long and happy retirement.

In conclusion, the Leader brought the Council up to date as to how best support could be given for those affected by the Tsunami on 26 December 2004. Support for children and their adoptive families was the top priority.

387 QUESTIONS UNDER STANDING ORDER 20(b)(i)

The Executive Member for Environment answered a question jointly from Councillors A. P. Collett and J. K. Glen concerning payment for highway lighting in Yateley and the replacement of street lights administered by Yateley Town Council.

The Leader of the Council answered a question from Councillor A. G. Dowden concerning the impact of Government cuts on the Supporting People programme.

The Leader answered a question from Councillor M. J. Roberts concerning County Council expenditure and the South East England Regional Assembly housing consultation process.

The Leader answered a question from Councillor K. House about requests for the "Holding out for Hampshire" video and CD from County Councillors, County Council staff and external organisations and individuals.

The Executive Member for Environment answered a question from Councillor Mrs A. E. Bailey about litter and retail industry packaging.

The Leader answered a question from Councillor A. G. Dowden about efficiency savings and the Social Services budget for 2005/06.

The Executive Member for Environment answered a question from Councillor Mrs A. E. Bailey concerning the management of retailers' waste. He undertook to give a written reply on related detailed issues.

388 APPOINTMENTS

There were no appointments to be dealt with.

389 DRAFT SOUTH EAST PLAN - RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION

The Council considered the Report of the Leader and Cabinet (marked Item 7 in the Minute Book) recommending the content of Appendix 1 to the report as the County Council's response to the Draft South East Plan. A recorded vote was called for in accordance with Standing Order 24(c). Arising from debate a number of issues arose which it was considered should be incorporated within the County Council's response. These related to a possible definition as to land that comprised brownfield sites, the need for a more appropriate means of measuring housing need and a commitment across regional boundaries relating to the need for infrastructure to be provided as a component part of any wider development.

Ordered:

That approval be given to the content of Appendix 1 to the Report of the Leader and Cabinet incorporating the key points raised in debate as the County Council's response to the Draft South East Plan.

Members supporting the motion:

Councillors: Mrs S. E. Allbright, Mrs A. E. Bailey, Mrs P.G. Banks, I. F. E. Beagley, F. J. Bright, Mrs A. Buckley, Mrs E. M. Byrom, M. F. Cartwright, K. G. Chapman, P. J. Chegwyn, A. P. Collett, B. D. Dash, C. R. H. Davidovitz, Mrs P. M. Devereux, A. G. Dowden, Dr. R. J. Ellis, K. B. Estlin, W. J. Filer, E. F. Gale M.B.E., M. S. Geddes, Mrs S. M. Glasspool DL, J. K. Glen, P. A. Heath, Mrs K. Heron, Mrs P.G.E. Holden-Brown, P.R.C. Hutcheson, M. J. Kendal, R. J. Kimber, T. G. Knight, Mrs C.A. Leversha, P. K. Mason, R. C. McIntosh, Mrs A. M. McNair Scott, Mrs P.G. Peskett, P. A. Pierce, R. H. Price, Mrs E.M.F. Randall, A. W. Rice TD, Sir James Scott, K. P. J. Searle, Mrs M. D. Snaith, T. K. Thornber C.B.E., J. Waddington, Dr J.G.L. Wall, J. K. West, Mrs P. A. West, M. J. Woodhall, Jenny Wride.

Total: 47

Members abstaining:

Councillors J. V. Bryant, Mrs J. K. Frankum, P. Luffman, M. J. Roberts, J. D. Shaw and D. F. Wright.

Total: 6

390 SOUTH EAST PLAN - HOUSING ALLOCATION FOR GOSPORT -

NOTICE OF MOTION

Councillor K. P.J. Searle, seconded by Councillor D. F. Wright, proposed the following motion, notice of which had been given pursuant to Standing Order 17:

"As the Strategic Planning Authority acting on behalf of the South East England Regional Assembly, Hampshire County Council should seek to freeze any future allocation of houses for Gosport Borough as part of the South East Plan until traffic congestion on the A32 has been addressed in a positive way by the necessary infrastructure provision."

Ordered:

That the Notice of Motion be referred to the Gosport Peninsula Access Panel to address the strategy for tackling these problems.

391 CLIMATE CHANGE/GLOBAL WARMING AND THE SOUTH EAST PLAN - NOTICE OF MOTION

Councillor K. G. Chapman, seconded by Councillor Mrs E. M. Byrom, proposed the following motion, notice of which had been given pursuant to Standing Order 17.

"That, at a time when the attention of the world is very much focused on Kyoto, and the Prime Minister has made climate change a personal priority for his Presidency of the European Union, this Council welcomes the recognition of the significance of Climate Change considerations, set out in the Sustainability Appraisal of the South East Plan, and we call on both SEERA and the Government to give full weight in finalising the SE Plan to the Appraisal Conclusion (below) and adopt a properly cautious approach to increasing the future level of growth, until mechanisms to secure economic development which does not increase greenhouse gas emissions can be satisfactorily demonstrated :_

`The policy framework sets out policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. However, even if these policies are implemented, continued development within the region will inevitably lead to increased CO₂ emissions through domestic energy use, transport etc. The Plan does not provide any answers to how economic development and greenhouse gas emissions might be decoupled'

Extract from the Draft Sustainability Appraisal Report on the Consultation Draft of the South East Plan - Jan 2005"

The Council considered the issue and supported its thrust.

Ordered:

That, at a time when the attention of the world is very much focused on Kyoto, and the Prime Minister has made climate change a personal priority for his Presidency of the European Union, this Council welcomes the recognition of the significance of Climate Change considerations, set out in the Sustainability Appraisal of the South East Plan, and we call on both SEERA and the Government to give full weight in finalising the SE Plan to the Appraisal Conclusion (below) and adopt a properly cautious approach to increasing the future level of growth, until mechanisms to secure economic development which does not increase greenhouse gas emissions can be satisfactorily demonstrated :_

"The policy framework sets out policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. However, even if these policies are implemented, continued development within the region will inevitably lead to increased CO₂ emissions through domestic energy use, transport etc. The Plan does not provide any answers to how economic development and greenhouse gas emissions might be decoupled"

Extract from the Draft Sustainability Appraisal Report on the Consultation Draft of the South East Plan - Jan 2005

392 HAMPSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY

On this occasion there was no report from the Authority. No questions pursuant to Standing Order 20(d) had been received concerning the discharge of its functions.

393 HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY

On this occasion there was no report from the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority. No questions had been received pursuant to Standing Order 20(e) concerning the discharge of its functions.

394 MATTERS FOR INFORMATION OR WITHIN

DELEGATED POWERS

Part II of the report of the following, comprising matters for information or dealt with under delegated powers were presented, received and adopted:

· The Cabinet/Leader

· Executive Member for Spatial Strategy

· Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage

· Executive Member for Social Care - in paragraph 271 (Grants to Voluntary Organisations 2005/06) it was noted that the total for older people should read £280,380 rather than £20,380.

· Health Review Committee

· Executive Member for Education

· Executive Member for Environment

· Governance Committee

The meeting closed at 4.52 pm.